Don't "Video Your Vote" in Kentucky

Cameras are illegal at the polls in Kentucky and the secretary of state cautions against invading privacy.

Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson released a video today, which his office is distributing to colleges and universities around the state and sharing with other citizens via new media platforms such as Facebook.com, in which he urges citizens to be cautious when participating in a new YouTube PBS initiative called "Video Your Vote." The initiative encourages citizens "to document their voting experiences." However, the use of recording devices at the polls is illegal in Kentucky, and the Grayson wants citizens to know the laws on the books in Kentucky.

In the video, Grayson encourages voters to participate in the initiative but asks them to follow the law and respect other voters' privacy by recording videos away from the polls. Grayson noted that many voters find recording "intimidating." Intimidating voters is also forbidden by Kentucky law, as is recording the identity of voters.

Grayson also encouraged citizens who have viewed his video, to share it with others so that they will know the laws in Kentucky concerning polling place activities.

If a voter sees the use of voting equipment at the polls, the citizen should immediately tell the precinct election officers at the polling location. In addition, citizens can call their local county clerk or law enforcement officials to help with the problem.

The State Board of Elections recently made county clerks aware of the initiative which was just launched late last week. They also plan to help spread the message via new media outlets that typically have audiences that utilize YouTube.